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GL Tech board split on Christmas, New Year's Eve days off for non-teaching staff

By Sarah Favot, sfavot@lowellsun.com

Updated:
12/14/2012 12:50:16 AM EST

TYNGSBORO -- In a split decision, the Greater Lowell Technical High School Committee voted Thursday night to give non-teaching staff the day off on Christmas Eve, but opted not to give them the day off on New Year's Eve.

A motion was brought forward from Paul Morin, of Dracut, to give non-teaching staff the day off both days because students and teachers do not have class.

The vote on a day off on Christmas Eve, passed 6 to 2, with Erik Gitschier, of Lowell and George Tatseos, of Tyngsboro, opposed.

The vote to give a day off on New Year's Eve failed 2 to 6, with George O'Hare and David Tully voting in favor.

Superintendent-Director Mary Jo Santoro said for as long as she can remember these days were given as days off to non-teaching staff.

Ray Boutin, of Lowell, said he had concerns about giving the time off when the district communities recently supported contributing a total of $15 million to the school renovation project.

"I want people that have had that time off all the time to be respected, but on the other hand, I want taxpayers to be respected too," he said.

Gitschier listed the number of holidays, vacation days and sick days staff are entitled to.

"I've voted against this request twice. There's no reason why employees can't use the benefits we already give them," he said.

Santoro said about 30 to 40 staff members are affected.

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In other business, the School Committee:

* Postponed its scheduled executive session until next month for contract negotiations with non-union personnel after Gitschier expressed concern that the name of the employee the committee would be negotiating with was not listed on the posted meeting agenda. He brought forward state attorney general rulings that indicate the name of the employee must be on the agenda in order to comply with the Open Meeting Law.

Tully indicated negotiations would be taking place with the superintendent for her current year salary following her yearly evaluation presented to the board Thursday night.

* Unanimously voted to select Watertown-based Joslin, Lesser & Associates, Inc. as its project management firm for its $65.3 million building renovation. If an agreement cannot be reached, Boston-based Collaborative Partners will be selected.

* Gitschier withdrew his motion to request an appraiser to appraise surplus equipment from the Fashion Technology program after Santoro said a school employee determined the value of the machines.

* Unanimously approved Gitschier's motion to request the superintendent to provide an update on the distinguished alumni award and the athletic hall of fame dinner.

* Unanimously approved Boutin's motion requesting the superintendent to research and report back on the school's ability to accommodate more students in technical programs by having a split shift or an after-school program.

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